When 2001 250cc World Champion and 17 time Grand Prix winner Daijiro Kato was taken away from the motorcycling world on April 6th, 2003 at the Suzuka circuit, the sport lost one of its major talents and leading lights. The unassuming and friendly Japanese rider debuted in the World Championship in 1996, taking third in 250cc race at the circuit that would later claim his life. 2001 saw him completely dominate 250cc racing with 11 wins and 13 podiums. At the time of his tragic death, the 26 year old was at the start of his second season in MotoGP having taken two podiums in his maiden campaign in 2002. Kato’s achievements remain an inspiring target while his legacy lives on via safety measures that arrived in MotoGP after his untimely passing.

Season	Category	Starts	1st	2nd	3rd	Tot.	Poles	Bike	Points	Pos.
2003	MotoGP	1	0	0	0	0	0	Honda	0
2002	MotoGP	16	0	2	0	2	1	Honda	117	7
2001	250cc	16	11	1	1	13	6	Honda	322	1
2000	250cc	16	4	2	3	9	3	Honda	259	3
1999	250cc	1	0	0	0	0	0	Honda	11	20
1998	250cc	1	1	0	0	1	1	Honda	25	20
1997	250cc	1	1	0	0	1	0	Honda	25	19
1996	250cc	1	0	0	1	1	0	Honda	16	23

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